The Washington Nationals increased their fan base by 1000% this year by signing Stephen Strasburg. And now every fan is trying to get into the ballpark for tonights game against the Pirates (but you can still find tickets on Stub Hub at prices lower than I thought you would have to pay). Why? Well if you have been living under a rock for the past month, Stephen Strasburg is making is MLB debut tonight. Everyone is stating that this kid is the next coming of Noah. He’s here to take the Nationals sinking ship and turn it into a championship caliber team (and I mean everyone, John Kruk said on Baseball Tonight that this kid will be one of the best pitchers in the league… THIS YEAR).

With a line of 1.30ERA, 0.79WHIP, and 10.6 K/9IP in his brief minor league stint, there is no reason to think otherwise either. But, I believe there is too much hype going into this game. I do believe he is a great player… And he is facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, I think the pressure will get to him. I would project a line of 3 runs on 7 hits with 5 strikeouts while taking the loss. Now those numbers aren’t awful, but they aren’t elite like everyone is projecting Strasburg to be.

What do you guys think? Real deal or the next Ryan Leaf?

PS… for those hoping that Strasburg would be throwing to Bryce Harper in 2 years, I’m sorry to break your dreams, but Harper was announced as an OF in the draft and not a catcher. Still the Nationals are on the verge of building a dynasty that they won’t be able to afford in 5 years.